SALEM — Eva Worden, of Heppner, is among the 20 middle school students selected to participate in the final round of the inaugural Oregon Civics Bee.

Beginning in November 2023, sixth, seventh and eighth grade students were invited to submit essays about how they would use civics principles to address problems they identified in their communities. According to a press release, Worden and the other finalists will gather May 30 in Hudson Hall at Salem’s Willamette University to compete in a quiz-style contest moderated by Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read.

The top five students will then discuss their essays before a panel of judges. The top three participants will receive cash prizes. The winner will be invited to compete in the National Civics Bee on Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C.

Oregon Business and Industry organized the event in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. For more information, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee.